[Personnel] Manfred Harrer Appointed President and Head of R&D at Hyundai Motor and Kia

Manfred Harro, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia. Provided by Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group announced on December 18 that it has conducted its regular executive appointments for the end of 2025 and promoted Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice President, to President and Head of the R&D Division.

President Harrer, born in 1972 (age 53), holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Munich University of Applied Sciences and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

He previously served as Vice President in charge of chassis and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) development at Porsche, where he led the development of major internal combustion engine vehicles such as the Cayenne and Boxster, as well as the Taycan electric vehicle.

Subsequently, he was responsible for vehicle integration in Apple's electric vehicle development project, and in 2024, he joined Hyundai Motor Group, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President in charge of vehicle development at Hyundai Motor Company.